The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 5,892 reports TICKETED

Carisbrooke Castle

Isle of Wight, England


Carisbrooke Castle
Carisbrooke Castle, further view Carisbrooke Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
English Heritage
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed
Stays
Overnight accommodation available

Pinpoint

Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY

Telephone 01983 522107

Website www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrooke-castle

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Isle of Wight's principal castle, a Norman stronghold later used to imprison Charles I before his execution, run by English Heritage with a shop, cafe, and museum built into the grounds. The wall walk is the main event, climbing steep steps to panoramic views, and there's a Tudor treadwheel in the well house, historically turned by donkeys to draw water.

Worth the trip

The wall walk and keep climb - steep steps, but reviewers say the panoramic views from the top are worth it.

Before you go

Staff get consistent praise for supporting disabled access, so it's worth calling ahead if mobility is a concern; parking fills up, so aim for an early start on busy days.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 5,892 Google reviews

Reviewers enjoy Carisbrooke for its wall walk views, the historic donkey wheel and stables, and helpful staff supporting disabled access. The museum gets a more mixed reception, with one reviewer finding it a bit of a mismatched collection compared to other elements of the visit, and access to the keep involves a steep climb worth being prepared for.

Bowling Green Apartment holiday let on site

“Lovely afternoon here. Staff really helpful with disabled access and a companion. Wonderful views all around and a fascinating museum. Highly recommended.”— Matt Wyatt, visitor review

Further reading

book
Richard III: The Self-Made King

Michael Hicks

Find it on Amazon
The Six Wives of Henry VIII cover book
The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Alison Weir

Find it on Amazon
book
Kenilworth Castle (English Heritage Guidebook)

Richard Morris

Find it on Amazon